Managing Long Manuscripts

Make Your Manuscript Work
For You!

A manuscript file that is more than a few pages in length can get unwieldy in
a hurry. There are some things you can do in setting up your manuscript that
will make your life easier, both in the writing and editing process. Consider
these tips:

The goal is to help you keep track of what you’re doing and make the finished
product as close to perfection as possible.

Set your word processor up to insert page numbers right from the
beginning. Even if you plan to add running heads with page numbers, you’ll
want simple page numbers when you print out drafts for editing.

Make use of the heading styles that will also create an actual Table of
contents. I find I generate a table of contents fairly often in the writing
process – it helps me know where I am and what I need to do next.

Although most word processing programs have some sort of book marking
system, I find a simple xxx works best for me.
When I finish a writing session I add the triple xxx, and then when I come
back, I do a quick search and I’m right where I want to be in the next
session.

If you’re going to have an index, you can start marking the words you want
indexed right from the start.

I find it easier to write the book all in one file; if you want to separate
files for, maybe, each chapter, develop a file naming procedure that will let
you concatenate the book easily.

Graphics & Links in Manuscripts

If your book has lots of illustrations, you'll probably need page layout
software to place them exactly. Of course, if you have a publisher, you can
leave that to them, just marking where each graphic goes.

If you're self-publishing and have only a few graphics, your word processing
software may be able to handle it. I've done it and it can become a nightmare.
The best tip I can give you is keep multiple backups... backing up to two or
more files every single time you add a drawing or picture.

eBooks, and edocs let you include live links as well as graphics. You can
have a fully illustrated eBook that, if it were a trade book would simply too
expensive to produce. You simply insert the drawing, photo or illustrations in
your manuscript and when you convert, your pictures are there, in all their
glorious color.

The problem with illustrations is they can make your final file huge. You can
mitigate this by using compression on your downloadable file, but keep file size
in mind and make sure there is a real reason for every graphic.

Word, frankly, doesn’t do a great job with graphics… the file tends to blow
up when it gets too large. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell what “too
large” actually means. In truth, if you want a long manuscript with a lot of
graphics, you need some sort of type setting or page layout software.

If you’re going to include illustrations of one sort or another, you’ll
also need to know how to use some sort of image editing program. Expect too, to
spend some serious time placing the graphics exactly where you want them. It’s a
fiddly process, but worth doing when the graphics serve a purpose.

I use PhotoImpact 10.
It’s relatively inexpensive, has enough bells and whistles to handle eBooks, and
eBook covers. It can generate graphics for print and makes web graphics a snap.